Ballinskelligs Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ballinskelligs Castle |
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| Ballinskelligs, Kerry | |
Ruins of Ballinskelligs Castle.
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 Ballinskelligs Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°49′12″N 10°16′14″W / 51.8200970°N 10.2705060°W |
Ballinskelligs Castle is an old castle found near the village of Ballinskelligs in Kerry, Ireland. It stands on the Iveragh Peninsula, a beautiful part of Ireland known for its history. This castle was built a long time ago to protect the area.
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Discover Ballinskelligs Castle
Ballinskelligs Castle is a historic building located right on the coast. It sits on the western side of Ballinskelligs Bay. The castle is on a small piece of land that sticks out into the sea. This spot is often hit by strong waves, which has caused some of the land to wear away over time.
Where is Ballinskelligs Castle?
The castle is found in County Kerry, which is in the southwest of Ireland. It's specifically on the Iveragh Peninsula, a famous area with stunning views. The castle's location by the bay was very important in the past. It allowed people to see ships coming and going.
Why Was Ballinskelligs Castle Built?
Ballinskelligs Castle was built in the 16th century, which means the 1500s. It was constructed by a powerful family called the MacCarthy Mórs. They were an important clan in this part of Ireland.
Protecting the Bay
One main reason for building the castle was to protect the bay. In those days, pirates were a big problem. They would attack ships and steal goods. The castle acted like a guard, watching over the waters to keep everyone safe.
Collecting Fees
Another possible reason for the castle was to collect money. The MacCarthy Mórs might have wanted to charge a fee for ships entering the bay. This fee, called a tariff, would have been a way to earn money from trade. It was like a toll for using their protected waters.
What Does it Look Like Now?
Today, Ballinskelligs Castle is mostly in ruins. This means that parts of it have fallen down over the centuries. Even so, it's still an important historical site. It reminds us of the past and the people who lived there. You can still see the strong walls that once stood tall against the sea and any threats.
